Word Origin & History

avoidance late 14c., "action of emptying," from avoid (q.v.). Sense of "action of dodging" is recorded from c.1600; it also meant "action of making legally invalid," 1620s; "becoming vacant" (of an office, etc.), mid-15c.

Example Sentences for avoidance

Mrs. Standish was studious in her avoidance of him without appearance of open slight.

Much of the world's big mischief is due to the avoidance of a bigger one.

This strikes me as constituting a record in the avoidance of the scène-à-faire.

His frigidity froze most people if he chose; and avoidance was not difficult.

More important even than avoiding any mere educational shortcoming is the avoidance of moral shortcoming.

His long struggle with himself, his avoidance of her were quite unnecessary.

They tell the reader that mistakes exist, but give no rule for their avoidance.

But, lads, there is a good reason for our avoidance of that island, and it is this.

The avoidance of the name of the deceased is as a rule kept up with extraordinary severity.

There was a pause, and whilst his eyes were upon hers, hers were upon the ground in avoidance of his glance.